Safety Guidelines When Picking Up Litter

Picking up litter is a great way to help keep your community clean and positively impact the environment. However, many people don’t consider the logistics and safety precautions when picking up litter. In this post, we’ll outline essential safety guidelines, focusing on the protective gear you need to ensure a safe cleanup experience. If you’re participating in a cleanup event with a local organization, they may have additional guidelines, but these general safety tips will help anyone picking up litter.

Wear Protective Gloves

One of the most important pieces of safety gear for picking up litter is protective gloves. Gloves help protect your hands from sharp objects, bacteria, and harmful chemicals. Consider the following options: 

• Heavy-duty work gloves – Ideal for durability and grip, often featuring a latex palm for better handling of slippery items. 

• Nitrile or latex gloves – Suitable for lighter tasks but more prone to tearing. 

Wearing gloves significantly reduces the risk of direct contact with hazardous waste, ensuring a safer litter pickup experience.

Use Litter Pickers & Grabbers

Litter pickers and grabbers are essential tools that make cleanup safer and more efficient. These tools help by: 

• Reducing the need to bend over repeatedly, preventing back strain. 

• Allowing you to pick up hazardous or unsanitary items without direct contact. 

• Making it easier to collect trash from hard-to-reach areas. 

For maximum efficiency, consider using the Orang-U-Tongs PRO, which features a bright orange shaft and handle for enhanced visibility.

Choose Sturdy Footwear

Wearing the right shoes is crucial when navigating different terrains during litter cleanup. Opt for: 

• Closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes or boots – Protects against sharp objects like glass and metal while providing stability. 

• Waterproof options – Ideal for cleaning up near beaches, rivers, or muddy areas. 

Proper footwear minimizes the risk of injuries and ensures comfort throughout the cleanup process.

Wear High-Visibility Clothing

Wearing bright, fluorescent clothing enhances safety, especially in high-traffic areas. Consider reflective vests or shirts, essential for roadside cleanup to increase visibility to drivers. Class II reflective safety attire is required for highway or road cleanup initiatives. 

Even in non-roadside environments, brightly colored clothing ensures you remain visible to fellow volunteers and pedestrians.

Use Trash Bags & Containers

Having the right disposal tools is key to an organized and effective litter cleanup. Consider: 

• Heavy-duty trash bags – Durable and resistant to tears from sharp objects. 

• Five-gallon buckets – A reusable and sturdy alternative for collecting litter. 

• Wheeled wagons – Helps transport collected litter with ease. 

You may also consider utilizing a Bag Opener device to keep your trash bag open while you’re picking up litter. If you’re volunteering with an organization, they may provide disposal materials, but it’s always a good idea to bring extra supplies. 

Additional Safety Considerations 

While the gear mentioned above is essential, you may also want to bring additional safety items, including: 

• Sun protection – Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen to protect against sunburn. 

• First aid kit – Bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers for minor injuries. 

• Hydration supplies – Plenty of water to stay hydrated during cleanup efforts. 

Conclusion 

Picking up litter is a rewarding activity that benefits both your community and the environment. However, safety should always be a priority. By wearing protective gloves, using a litter grabber, choosing sturdy footwear, and wearing high-visibility clothing, you can ensure a safe and effective cleanup. 

At ArcMate, we offer a variety of tools and accessories to support your litter cleanup efforts. Visit our online store to find the best litter pickup tools and safety gear for your next cleanup project!